Folklore comprises various traditions in art, literature, knowledge and practice that have been passed down from generation to generation. Each group of people share their common sense of identity, which serves to define them as a whole. Folk traditions include traditional, cultural, and agricultural practices that people believe in, the things that they normally do in their hometowns, the things they produce with their craft, and words or jargons unique to their common dialect. Folk traditions are generally not categorized but they are part of everyday life of people.

Folklore is of great important dimension of culture. The subject is vast and very complex, and its definition takes on various forms depending on the folklorist. For example, historian have varying definitions of history, and no two will exactly sound alike.

In defining folklore, folklorists believe that portions of it result from their work, interest, and their target audience. In addition, folklorists do not mind that the disagreement that may arise in any group of people with shared interests. They think that conflict is one effective method of learning in their respective fields.

As described, folklore can be defined in numerous ways. The following are some summary of definitions provided by some notable folklorists. When people analyze these definitions, people will recognize that folklorists do not usually confine folklore as something that is “old-fashioned,” “exotic,” “untrue,” or “dying out.” In this regard, people then should recognize that folklore is something that persists in the present and is constantly evolving part of people’s lives.

BY MARTHA C. SIMS AND MARTINE STEPHENS

Folklore comprises many things and cannot be explicitly defined. This field includes what folklorists study and related discipline. It is many things and can be found in all kinds of places and various groups of people. Folklore is part of communication; may it be through verbal form or other means.

BY DOROTHY NOYES

Folklore spans many cultures, identifying unmodern genres and practices within modern societies. Other definitions are based on epistemological, aesthetic, and technological binary oppositions.

BY BARBO KLEIN

Folklore can be defined in four ways. In terms of vernacular expressive culture, it represents oral narration, rituals, and crafts. It can also be the academic study of such events. Folkloric events can also be associated with music, tourism, and fashion industries. Lastly, folklore may denote falsehood.

BY MARY HUFFORD

Folklife is not obvious; it is embedded in various manners by which people discover and express themselves and how they fit in this world. It is mirrored in peoples’ names, ancestors, and cultural heroes. Folklife also includes the common tongue used only by children, codenames of operators, or specific jargons common among workmen.

BY WILLIAM A. WILSON

Folklore connects people with their cultural heritage from the past. This discipline unveils interrelationships of various cultural expressions and is more concerned on the nature of being a human.

BY JAN BRUNVARD

Folklore is unrecorded practices of people, especially the form and content of traditions and manner of communication amongst people. It is a discipline spanning knowledge, values, and attitudes, as well as feelings and beliefs of people passed on through word of mouth or by traditional examples.

A shadow person is a figure commonly known by paranormal experts. This being is normally characterized as patch of shadow appearing as humanoid figure. Some people who have been taking prohibited drugs claimed to have seen such creature while under influence.

ORIGINS OF SHADOW PERSON

There are a number of stories regarding shadowy spiritual beings or supernatural entities. They are sometimes called shades of the underworld and have been associated with certain folklore or ghost stories.
Shadow people gained more popularity through the late-night radio talk show, Coast to Coast AM. The topic was discussed by the host Art Bell and his guest, the Native American elder Thunder Strikes of Harley “SwiftDeer” Reagan. Aside from the interview, listeners were also asked to send drawings of shadow people that they encountered. The images were posted on radio show’s website. Not long after the interview, Heidi Hollis published a book about shadow people. It was not long until she became a regular guest on the radio talk show.
According to Hollis, shadow people are dark silhouettes taking on a human form. These creatures seem to be flickering in and out of people’s peripheral vision. Hollis says that some of these shadow people attacked humans by jumping on their chest and trying to choke them. Moreover, Hollis greatly thinks that these beings are aliens that are not impossible to get rid of, especially through the name of Jesus.
Though a number of paranormal believers would claim that shadow people are nothing but menacing creatures, others seem to think otherwise. Similar with Hollis, there are also some people who believe that shadow people are extra-terrestrial beings. Meanwhile, some individuals reported to have documented in video sightings of shadow people.

CAUSES OF SIGHTINGS

Only a few physiological and psychological conditions are associated with encounter with shadow people that indicate that such creatures are filled with life. For people who suffer from sleep paralysis, they sometimes sense a shadowy shape coming toward them when they are bodies are unable to move. Meanwhile, for those who have heightened emotions or senses, they may incorrectly think a patch of shadow to be an attacker.
On the other hand, metamphetamine users may also see shadow people after long periods of sleep deprivation. Using the drug contributes to hallucination caused by lack of sleep. Such type of hallucinations are compared with paranormal creatures in supernatural folklore.

SHADOW PEOPLE AND POPULAR CREATURE

The novel John Dies at the End features shadow men, which are called “Shadow Men” in the story. These creatures supposedly kill people, who after being killed, are removed from history.
In the 2013 movie Shadow People, the story revolves in a sleep study, wherein participants claim seeing shadowy intruders before dying in sleep.
The online game serues Deep Sleep indicate existence of shadow people during the advents of humans. These creatures are found in lucid dreams. In the games, the characters of the game are may be paralyzed and possessed when they realize that they are in slumber. In that case, the dream self of the game character transforms into a shadow person.
Twilight Zone (1985) also featured an episode about “The Shadow Man.” In the story, a teenage boy realizes that a shadow person is lurking under his bed. The episode also explores that belief that shadow people can kill people but will not harm those who own the beds under which they live.
One documentary, The Nightmare, includes interviews on people suffering from sleep paralysis. Accounts of people experiences included encounters with shadow people.

Topics of the supernatural usually include ghost, spirits, and hauntings. Though these terms may be used synonymously, they can still be categorized into different types. These entities have roles in universe, dimensions, and plane of existence. Insights can be gained from learning more about these things and their relationship with ghost, spirits, and hauntings in this world. Likewise, gathering scientific data and sound proof is legitimate method of investigating the supernatural.

THE UNIVERSE

The universe comprises energy. All matter that can be found in our surroundings down to the smallest particles can be characterized by energy. As dictated by laws, energy is neither created nor destroyed but only changes from one form to another. Energy is basically the reason why people are born, and thus it penetrates the universe as well as dimensions or planes of existence. Various worlds exist in the universe, and their existence is proven by black holes that serve as doorways. Experts on astrophysics now agree, as evidenced by inventions of particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva. The concept of singularity of black holes defies all laws of physics. Some scientists believe that this singularity is possibly a channel leading to other dimensions. Thus, this gives supernatural experts the idea that even ghosts, spirits, and hauntings can invade our universe through various doorways.

GHOSTS

One common theory about ghosts is that they are energy manifestations of souls of once living people or animals. Ghosts are found in-between dimensions. They can be likened to signal that people just cannot seem to find when adjusting frequency of their radios. Ghosts are spirits that cannot fully cross over to their final destination. Ghosts reveal their presence to the living for various reasons. The manner of their behavior when interacting with humans is affected by their personality when they were still alive.

GHOST PERSONALITIES

Given that they are previously humans, ghosts can only be expected to possess certain characteristics. Thus, people who lived evil lives will possibly turn into menace ghosts and haunt people or places. This type of ghosts commonly feed off the energy of the people they terrorize. On the other hand, souls of good people usually become kind ghosts. Kind ghosts serve as protectors of families in haunted places.

REASON FOR GHOSTS’ EXISTENCE

Ghosts exits and manifest themselves for various reason. However, in other cases, ghosts just appear or show signs of their presence without any cause. Supernatural experts still have no idea why certain ghosts exist in the universe for no particular reason.

APPARITIONS

Apparitions more commonly happen after the death of a loved one. Ghost manifestations is a way by which a passing soul can say goodbye to his loved ones. For instance, when a comatose patient is nearing death, his family or friends will see his image for a moment. Afterward, the family will be informed of the patient’s death. However, when soul of a loved frequently appear, it said to serve as protection to the remaining family members.

GHOSTS WHO THINK THAT THEY’RE STILL ALIVE

There are ghosts who are unaware of the fact that they have already died. These souls will normally go on “living” just like when they were still alive. For example, in the movie “The Others,” a ghost family think that the people living in their homes are ghosts. From time to time, ghosts can only feel the presence of the living. In such cases, both ghosts and live humans are scared by the presence of the other. This is especially true when new owners move into a place occupied by a person who just recently passed away. Lost or confused ghosts can be helped to cross over by letting them known about their death and helping them to accept that they can no longer stay in this world.

GHOST WHO HAVE YET TO FILL THEIR PURPOSE

In most cases, ghosts do not want to cross over because they still have unfinished business in this world. For example, a parent who still want to provide for his family or when victims of murders strive to seek justice for their deaths. In case of lovers, ghost of a person may still linger on until it is satisfied that the love of his life has already find another partner in life.

TRAPPED OR LOST GHOSTS

There are ghosts who are very much aware that they are dead but still cannot cross over to the other side. In particular instances, ghosts do not want to move on for fear of leaving the kind of life that they lived on earth. Meanwhile, some ghosts are hunted or held hostage by other evil ghosts. Some ghosts who died by suicide become trapped in place of their death. On the other hand, some ghosts may force people to kill themselves by feeding off from their fear energy. Other ghosts become lost because they died in foreign lands, but they seek to be reunited with their families.

VENGEFUL GHOSTS

Vengeful ghosts come into existence when a person dies through violent means. Vengeful ghosts normally haunt the place of their death and may also attack people who come near them.

HUNGRY GHOSTS

According to the Chinese and Hindu Buddhist beliefs, hungry ghosts are souls that return to this world to be reunited with their families and loved ones. In Taoism, hungry ghosts are considered to be those who were unsatisfied with their achievements in life as a living being. Meanwhile, as previously described, some ghosts feed off the energy emanating from live beings. Offerings of food, drink, and money are one way of satiating the hungry ghosts.

RESIDUAL GHOSTS

The case of residual ghosts is quite unusual. These souls relive their final hours repeatedly. These ghosts are normally unaware of what they are, and they pay no attention to people even if they pass through a live human. Other supernatural experts believe that residual ghosts are imprints left by emotional energy of souls. For instance, one story tells about a man being by train one full moon night. After the man’s death, his ghost can be seen on the rail road tracks every full moon.

GHOSTS OF CHILDREN

Ghosts of children are some of the loneliest ghosts that exist. Child ghost are always in need of attention, and they normally end up scaring people when things just start moving because they want to play. Meanwhile, other people believe that demons use child ghosts as disguise.

SOUNDS AND SMELLS OF GHOSTS

Knocking, screams, moaning, inaudible voices, and music without players are common sounds associated with ghost presence. These sounds can be residual or purposely created. Meanwhile, knocking is fairly common method of establishing connection with the dead. Sometimes people can smell intense odors in places with high levels of paranormal events. Some of the smells include odors of perfume, cigar smoke, and food. However, people should be cautious of smells or rotting garbage or sulfurs, as foul smells are common indicators of presence of dark entities, evil ghosts, or demons.

GHOSTS OF ANIMALS

Ghosts of animals may also linger in the world for a longer while. One important tip regarding this is that people should not confuse animal ghosts with animal spirit guides because they are two completely different things.

LIVING GHOSTS

Living ghosts are souls the leave their still alive bodies. This occurrence is normally considered as out-of-the-body experience or astral projections. In rare cases, people see their own ghosts but with different ages. Under such circumstance, it is possible that a person left an imprint of his younger self after a harrowing or traumatic experience. These imprinted ghosts may be self-aware. Meanwhile, doppelgangers are not very uncommon. Their appearance is considered as premonitions of death. In most cases, doppelganger exhibit unawareness and are harmless. In addition, though some people may see a doppelganger, it is invisible to the projector. Being unable to see their doppelganger is good news for people, because seeing your own doppelganger signifies death.

GHOSTLY OBJECTS, VESSELS, OR SHIPS

Phantom vehicles are ghostly or haunted and are normally associated with death, injury, and damage. Thus, people should be careful upon seeing such things. Vehicles become ghostly objects because of the vast amounts of energy that they held while they were still in use. In turn, they become symbols of tragic events. Ghost ships may come into existence because of the energy brought in by its passengers. Sailors never run out of stories of ghost ships and apparitions of sunken ships. Ghost ships or apparitions of sunken vehicles normally forecast tragic events in the sea.

Apparitions of land vehicles, such as trains, cars, and carriages are fairly common. The story of Lincoln Ghost Story is a tale about the funeral car carrying Lincoln’s body back to Springfield, Illinois after his death.

SPIRITS

Spirits are commonly used to denote any supernatural entities that are not categorized as angels, demons, elementals, or gods. Meanwhile, human spirits are specifically, souls of humans who have crossed over and are not considered ghosts.

ANGELS

Angels are usually associated with god. They are spirits bearing positive energy, but they did not live previously as humans. Other people think that angels follow specific hierarchy. Angels are known to protect humans from dark entities and in other cases, other people. Angels emanate bright aura that sometimes look like wings. Angels represent good and positive forces in the universe, and experts believed that people should not think about messing with these beings.

GUARDIAN ANGELS

Unlike angels, guardian angels are said to be of human origins. Guardian angels are believed to be human spirits, which normally are ancestors who came to provide people protection and guide them throughout their lives. A person may have multiple guardian angels depending on his capacity to sense the spiritual world.

ANIMAL SPIRIT GUIDE

Existence of animal spirit guides is common among native Americans. Supposedly, when they are born, people’s bodies are inhabited by animal spirits. Animal spirits serve as guide to souls and protector of humans throughout their lives.

DEMONS

Demons are dark entities and they do not have human origins. In Christian belief, they are normally used interchangeably with fallen angels. However, the term is also commonly used in other cultures and beliefs. Just like with angels, people believe that there is hierarchy among demons. Demons are infamous for deceiving humans, whom they fool with their disguises. These entities are also known for manifesting themselves in various forms to gain advantage over their targets. Moreover, demons may team up and attack in groups. In this case, the weaker ones attack first and the stronger ones act as reserves. After morally weakening their victims, the demons then get ready to possess the bodies. In exorcism or demon expulsion, the exorcist must learn the demon’s name before it can be forced out of the possessed body. Smells of rotting garbage or sulfur are indicators of demonic presence. Animal sounds may also indicate the presence of something evil. Demons may appear as dark shadows, human-like, or creatures with animal features. People should realize that battling demons require proper training because of the kind of violent events that may ensue.

It can be difficult to fight off demons because they are very intelligent and powerful. They can attack homes through various objects and may even torment or possess humans. Demons also take on various forms and use this ability to their advantage. They are sometimes seen as black masses lingering in doorways or room corners. Demons hate humans and think of them as very lowly and unintelligent. These entities also like to toy with humans. Demons will normally fool human into believing that they are good spirits before revealing their true selves. These evil beings also like to take their enemies by surprise. Demons use everything in their power to mentally break down a person in order for them to possess the bodies of their victims. It does not matter how long they do this, demons can be very patients while waiting to catch people at their weakest moments.

ELEMENTAL SPIRITS

Elemental spirits do not have human origins but they are associated with earth, water, air, and fire elements. These beings are also linked to Gods, Fairies, and Elves in other cultures.

SHADOW GHOSTS

Shadow ghosts have no clear origins but they appear as dark grey to black forms at varying height of 1–6 feet. They may also take the form of dark smoke or blobs.

SHADOW PEOPLE

There is very little information available regarding shadow people. However, with advent of technology, supernatural experts are learning more about them. Shadow people are known to others as watchers or observers, who supposedly beings of another dimension. Experts are still unsure whether they are ghosts or spirits. Those who have encountered shadow people describe them as tall, black humanoid beings having red eyes and no neck. In other cases, shadow people are depicted as forms of black masses.

HAUNTINGS

Haunting is a prolonged paranormal activity that only occurs on isolated locations. There are various reasons why specific places become haunted. Possibly, a person who has just died cannot let go of his most favorite spot in the world. However, other factors, such as architecture, minerals in the land, and different water sources, may result in haunting of a place. For example, people are discourage from constructing establishments on top of limestone or water tables because limestone serves as reservoir of energy, whereas water is a good conductor.

HAUNTED PEOPLE OR OBJECTS

People and numerous objects may be haunted as well. This happens when ghosts or spirits attach themselves to objects or humans. Some objects that may be haunted by spirits or ghosts include jewelries and old furniture. Haunted people or object can be identified through the aura that they emanate in photographs.

RESIDUAL HAUNTING

Residual hauntings are associated with residual ghosts who repeatedly live the final hours before their death. Residual ghosts normally do not show any signs of cognizance. People who have experienced encounters with residual ghost would normally claim that the ghosts just passed through them.

INTELLIGENT HAUNTING

Intelligent haunting can be described as interaction of an aware supernatural entity with the living.

DEMONIC HAUNTING

Demonic haunting happens when negative or dark entities haunt people or specific locations. In these type of hauntings, demons may start with playing small tricks with people before doing something that harmful and potentially deadly. There are accounts of demons haunting families for long periods of time. In such cases, the haunted family cannot escape the demon haunting them even if they move to a new home, as demons are known for following the people they haunt anywhere. Exorcism is the practice of expelling demon from possessed body or a place. Demonologists, priests, or shaman can perform this task but in many cases, the results cannot be predicted.

INFESTATION

Infestation occurs when a group of ghosts, spirits, or demons are involved in haunting. This event is very common in locations wherein extreme paranormal activities have been documented.

England can be described with its rich history. Various stories of kings, queens, princes, princesses and knights have been circulating since the ancient times. The same goes for England’s castle. However, aside from medieval stories, ghost accounts have also been associated with this remarkable place. The tragedies that happened within the walls of the castles caused not only bloodshed but left stories scary enough to linger for a long time.

Given the numerous deaths that occurred in castle of England, a number of souls were left trapped inside it. These souls could neither go to heaven nor hell. And thus, they became famous for being the castle ghosts of England.

Not all people believe in ghosts. However, some are firm believers, especially those who claim to have first-hand experience with supernatural beings. Moreover, a considerable portion of England’s population believe in ghosts. Ghosts normally haunt people, and their existence can sometimes be traced way back in history.

Paranormal manifestations are represented in various ways in England: wreaths, church grimms, chagrins, or hags of the dribble. Ghosts of England have persisted since the times of Druids until Dicken’s lifetime. Meanwhile, on the west coast of England, two castles became well-known because of the murders and strange occurrences that transpired there.

Muncaster Castle is situated near a river and valley in Cumbria, England. At present, there are accounts of eerie or odd occurrences inside the castle. Some people also witnessed quite disturbing manifestations. One prominent family that lived in the castle were the Penningtons, which were said to have lived in the premise since the 13th century. Given the unremarkable popularity of supernatural disturbances in the castle, it was not impossible that the Penningtons also gained some of the fame. As for Patrick Gordon Duff Pennington, a descendant of the family, he liked to think that his family and the ghosts belonged to each other. He had first-hand experienced with ghosts in their castle. He also claimed that people assigned to the tapestry room because their strange noises, like crying, or felt weird sensations, such as coldness.

Another common occurrence in the castle was the sound of thumping on the stairs that was heard by both guests and residents. Given the reports on supernatural events, evidence were gathered regarding paranormal activities in the castle. A group of supernaturalists went to the castle on September, 1993 and set up equipment that are meant to study scientifically any mystical events in the castle. After nightfall, members of supernatural experts noted the change in temperature in their surroundings. Then, they noticed something shaking: a vase. Things got more intense when they heard hard thumping and rapping. Meanwhile, from their room, the investigators noticed that someone just passed the door.

The reports made by the investigators contained numerous accounts of weird events that they witness that night. Thus, they were not able to form any scientific conclusion but that the castle was occupied by supernatural energies.

The weirds events in Muncaster Castle is normally considered to be the works of a malevolent spirit residing there. Meanwhile, based on history of the castle, no one was considered more malevolent than Thomas Skelton. This man was the last of jesters who served the Penningtons. He was known as Tom’s fool, and the term tom foolery was based on his character. Aside from being a jester, Skelton worked as steward of the state.

His personality seemed to inspire Shakespeare, and he was said to be model for King’s Lear’s fall. Witty but malicious and cruel, Skelton appeared to be one of the greatest trickster of all time. He was normally found sitting under a chest nut tree nearby the castle. People passing by would see him and ask for directions. When Skelton disliked the people asking him, he would give them false instructions and led them to quicksand nearby.

Aside from ghost stories, scandals were also a thing in Muncaster Castle. One particular incident involved the daughter of castle lord. In 1585, Helwise Pennington fell in love with a village carpenter though her family had greater plans for her. Though the lovers tried to hide their affair, their secret was eventually unveiled. Sir William learned about her daughter’s love affair and consulted Tom Skelton. The two men conversed under the tree known as Thomas’s tree. Sir William tasked Skelton to end everything that his daughter was doing with her lover.

Skelton proceeded to do his master’s bidding. He lured the carpenter to the castle. The carpenter went, believing that he would see his beloved there. However, once inside the castle, Skelton got him drunk with cider. In the middle of the night, while the carpenter was drunk unconscious, Skelton used the carpenter’s own tools to severe his head. After killing the carpenter, Skelton brought the severed head to Sir William. However, what Sir William did afterward remain a mystery.

Patrick Pennington thought Skelton’s story was nothing but a sinister tale. However, during the times when he had to work until early morning, he would sometimes pass the hall and heard footsteps following him. Though some people claimed that Patrick was just probably hearing his footsteps echo, he disagreed. He said to have worn different types of shoes, especially those that did not make any noise, and the same thing still happened to him.

It is said that the thumping noises in the hall of the castle was actually the sounds made by Skelton while dragging the corpse of the carpenter. Meanwhile, the crying was assumed to be Helwise, as she mourned over the death of her lover.

After the death of the man she loved, Helwise went to a nunnery and became mad not long after. Meanwhile, Skelton continued roaming free despite the crimes he committed. However, justice still caught after him. The jester drowned in river Esk, and his presence is said to linger. Seemingly, his soul still wants to play some trick.

Two hundred years had passed, and river Esk did not stop claiming lives. In return, more accounts of apparitions were recorded. Grace Simmons, an employee of Muncaster Castle, made claims regarding having seen ghosts. According to her, she was out in October 1985 when she a lady leaning against the castle while she was driving on a certain road leading to the castle. Grace went back to check on the girl but the she was gone already from the road shoulder.

People started seeing the women that Grace saw after a horrific murder in 1992. And this murder seemed to be preceded by another love affair. There was a woman named Mary Bragg who was working as a servant in a nearby village. She was in love in Muncaster Castle’s steward at that time. However, the housekeeper also had feelings for the steward.

One night, the housekeeper could not contain her jealousy anymore, and it transformed into an action only associated with rage. Not expecting anyone, Mary found two Russians knocking on her door. The men told her that the steward had fallen ill at currently needing her aid. Extremely worried about the man she loved, Mary did not hesitate to accompany the two men. Unfortunately, Mary never got to her destination.

In the woods near Muncaster, Mary was dragged by the two Russians to a tree before ramming a pistol on her mouth and shooting her. Not only did the Russians kill her, the men also brought Mary’s body to a field to feed it to the castle dogs. When that plan failed, they searched for another place to stash the body. Mary’s corpse then ended up in the waters of River Esk.

However, Mary’s body did not remain underwater for so long. After a few months, the decaying body of Mary Bragg was washed upon the river banks. The corpse was retrieved for autopsy but the coroner was unable to determine the cause of death. However, there were claims that the man was paid to say nothing about Mary’s murder.

On the other hand, the men who killed Mary could not escape their sins. And their fates ended under unnatural circumstances. One of the two Russians first went made, whereas the other hand was sentenced to hand for being a highway robber. Meanwhile, the housekeeper heard about the deaths of the men she hired to get rid of Mary. Circulating rumors led to the housekeeper’s banishment to a remote village, where she was deemed to be a murderess. On the other hand, the coroner also drowned in River Esk. His corpse was found not too far from where Mary’s body was discovered.

After more than a century, in 1993, the tree where Mary was murdered was cut down. However, rumor has it that the timber made from the cut-tree was cursed. There were reports indicating that the blood started pouring off the logs as soon as the trunk of the tree was cut into pieces. No one in the locality wanted to use the woods. The timbers were shipped and sold in London.

The spot on the road where a woman in white was normally seen was said to be the exact place where the tree under which she was murdered stood. It seems like Mary’s ghost is still lingering and searching for justice for her death.

SUDELEY CASTLE

Sudeley Castle is located in southwest of England. The castle was built during the Saxon period; it was situated in a wooded valley among the hills of Gloucestershire. At present, the grounds surrounding the castle are filled with oak trees and royal park lands. Sudely Castle was given as a wedding present in the 10th century. A series of kings led the castle; some of them include Richard III and Henry VIII.

Undoubtedly, the castle boasts of magnificence and beauty. However, it is not free from unnatural events. For example, it was there that a preserved corpse of a queen was discovered. There were rumors indicating that such kind of instances originated from specific incident, which led to an apparition that still plagues the castle at this very moment.

The recent housekeeper of Sudeley believed that the castle is indeed haunted. Even employees and other members of the staff witnessed supernatural events within the walls of the castle. Some experienced smelling apple-scented perfume even when no one was around, whereas others claim having heard a sobbing child. Possibly, one of the most bizarre story of the castle is the apparition of a tall woman clad in beautiful green dress.

The story of the woman green dress was said to be the center of all the supernatural events occurring in Sudely castle. Though it appears to be calm, the nursery of the castle is where most paranormal occurrences in Sudeley transpire. Hanging in one of the walls of the nursery is a portrait of Queen Catherine Parr. The queen was known for her tall figure, wits, and talent for the arts. She was Henry VII sixth and last wife. After the king’s death, Katherine married Thomas Seymour, a man who always wanted a placed among the royals.

A few months after marrying Seymour, Queen Catherine became pregnant at the age of 35. This quite miraculous pregnancy brought the castle into its feet, and all people became busy preparing for the arrival of a new royal-blooded child. However, all the festivities died down when Katherine gave birth to Mary. A week after giving birth, the queen died.

Meanwhile, Thomas Seymour chose to leave the new-born Mary alone as soon as her mother died. This man, even when his wife had just died, when to Queen Elizabeth and proposed a marriage. For the second time at that period, Queen Elizabeth refused to be Seymour’s wife. Not wanting to lose any link to the royal family, Seymour then asked for Queen Elizabeth’s half-sister’s, Mary, hand in marriage. It was not long before Seymour’s greediness led him to his death. He was beheaded for treason.

Queen Catherine was buried in the chapel of Sudeley Castle. However, in the civil war, the chapel was looted and even the caskets were taken by the robbers. Then, after another century, a farmer accidentally dug up a casket containing perfectly preserved body of a woman. Almost all the features of the lady were still distinguishable, from her skin to her hair. However, only a few minutes after the casket was opened, the corpse started disintegrating and turned into dust within moments. Shocked, the farmer laid the casket again upon the ground.

After another century, a new chapel was built in Sudeley Castle, and it was only then that Catherine was properly buried.

However, only Catherine’s casket was laid to rest. Her soul did not. Margaret Parker, one of the long-time employees of the castle, was one of the people who witnessed Katherine’s apparition. One winter, the castle was in complete locked down, and only a few guests were staying in the castle. One of the guests was lady artist, and thus, Margaret did not mind much when she saw a woman standing near a window. However, the artist had just come down from the nursery.

Still, even with that weird encounter with lady in green, Margaret was not frightened. Unlike other ghosts, the soul of Catherine seems to be want to be on her own. Meanwhile, the people living and taking care of the castle considers her a good friend.

After Queen Catherine died, her only daughter vanished. History did not record what happened to the poor orphan. One may surmise that the souls of Queen Catherine and Mary are still searching for each other until today.

After lying in ruins for 180 years, Sudeley Castle became notable again in 19th century. However, as new people start living within its walls, one resident appeared to be originated from the spirit world.

In the Victorian era, people became interested with ghosts, which at that time, seemed to be manifesting themselves everywhere. These spirits were remnants of people who had moved on to another world. With regard to this, the haunting in Sudeley Castle in the Victorian era still persists today.

The current hotelier and owner of the castle, Lady Elizabeth Ashcombe, originally lived in the US. The castle was an inheritance from her late husband, Mark Dent-Brocklehurst. At present, there still seems to be a form of modern ghost haunting happening in the castle.

The ghost is named Janet, who served as Sudeley Castle’s housekeeper for 50 years. Janet first set foot in the castle in 1896. Lady Elizabeth recalls her husband telling his experiences around Janet when he was still young. It appears that almost everyone in the castle was afraid of her and her rules. Lady Elizabeth believes that Janet’s ghost is still lingering in the castle because she does not want to give up her authority.

Meanwhile, the upkeep of Victorian homes back then a squad of armies and servants, and all of these people were provided with their own position. And the same went for Janet. Compared with other servants, she held a superior position. She worked with the butler in running the castle strictly by the rules. Janet and the butler made sure that everything in the castle was performed accordingly and as instructed by the lady of the house.

However, Janet’s strictness did not end with just running the castle. She also made sure that all female housekeepers remained uncorrupted while working for the royal family. Janet served as the guardians of the young female maids, who came from South Wales. Thus, boys were unable to initiate interaction with these girls.

Story has it that Janet used to watch the castle from the stop of the stairs at night time to protect the innocence of her young girls. And at present, Janet’s authority still strongly takes hold of the castle. Young girls who arrive at the castle seem catch the attention of the old housekeeper. One teenage guest learned about this in summer of 1993. The girl was part of a group of tourists visiting the castle. It was said that while inside the castle, the girl was overwhelmed with a strange feeling. The girl was drawn toward the staircase, and there she saw the ghost of Janet.

When asked whether she already met the ghost of the housekeeper, Lady Elizabeth seemed relieved to say that she had not seen the apparition yet. In addition, despite the ghost stories surrounding Sudeley Castle, she feels at ease staying in it, especially when she’s in the garden, where she can feel the timelessness of the place. She also believes that all the people lived in the castle left something behind, and their presence in the castle does not entirely vanish.

THE TOWER OF LONDON

The Tower of London is surrounded by stories of battles and bloodshed, and these appear to be the origins of ghost haunting in the place. The tower has been the center of English history for almost two thousand years. Leadership of the tower had always been associated with great power. The Tower of London is the oldest and largest occupied fortress in Europe, measuring 18 acres. Around 200 years were needed before the castle could be completely established.

The smallest tower in this great castle is the Bloody Tower. Story has it that two young boys were seen playing in this tower. However, they were not real people but were instead believed to be ghosts of two princes, Richard and Edward, who was an heir to the throne. Unfortunately, the boys met their end not only at very young age but also in quite horrifying manner.

Richard and Edward were nephews of Richard III, England’s most prominent villain. Richard III could only be described as a malevolent, detestable, constantly jealous, and crooked-back figure. Even half-century after his death, the name of the man was still whispered in various corners of London. People believed that Richard III was the mind behind a series of treacherous murders though some people vouched for his innocence.

However, it was true, that after his father, King Edward IV, died, he was given the duty of taking care of the two young boys. Some people believed that this arrangement was like signing the death sentence of the two boys, as they were the only ones that served as obstacle to Richard III in having the crown for himself. Thus, what Richard III did was declared his nephews illegitimate to make them unqualified for the throne. Then, the boys were sent to the tower, with claims of only preserving their safety.

The boys were normally seen playing on the tower for months. Then, in autumn 1483, Richard and Edward were suddenly nowhere to be found. At present, everything surrounding the boys’ disappearance remains unclear. However, losing the boys paved the way for Richard III to be England’s king.

After 40 years, Sir Thomas More was executed at the top of the tower. More supposedly described in his book what could have possibly happened with the boys. According to him, Richard III sent his men to the tower in the middle of the night, and as the boys soundly slept, the two men smothered them to death. Supposedly, the boys were buried under a great mound of stone.

Meanwhile, in 1674, some workmen discovered a chest near the tower. The chest contained skeletons of two children. The identities of these skeletons were scientifically proven in 1933 based on bone formation and teeth structure. The skeletons were indeed those of a twelve- and nine-year old boys, the same age as Richard and Edward were before their disappearance.

The skeletons were interred at Westminster Abbey but their souls refused from departing the bloody tower.

On another matter, a separate particular ghost haunts another section of the Tower of London.

Most who are learned regarding England’s history know about Anne Boleyn, one of the most controversial royal figures. Others think of her as more modern depiction of a woman, with her strength and intelligence. However, for her enemies, Anne was nothing but a person full of schemes. Her strong character caught the eyes of King Henry VIII. This event would prove to have great significance in England’s history.

Before he met Anne, King Henry VIII was married to Queen Catherine. However, 22 years of marriage did not provide him with his desired heir. Anne then took advantage of the situation and seduced the king. Not long afterward, Anne became pregnant with King Henry VIII’s child.

Thinking that he had already a successor along the way, King Henry VIII had his marriage with Catherine annulled. This annulment separated England from Rome, and Protestantism started prevailing in the country. Meanwhile, Anne Boleyn finally became queen.

However, things spiraled downward when Anne gave birth to a baby girl, who would grow up to be Queen Elizabeth I. Anne became pregnant for the second time. She gave birth to a boy, but the baby was still born.

Given Anne’s failure to give him a son, King Henry VIII turned his attention to Jane Seymour. In return, Anne’s status was turned upside down. She was considered a hindrance to King Henry VIII, and a number of people of the court despised her. Rumors started circulating, indicating that Anne was involved in witchcraft, adultery, and incest with her brother. King Henry VIII used these scandals against Anne and had her arrested. Anne was brought to the tower, tried for various crimes, and sentenced to death.

Before her execution, Anne manifested erratic behaviors. For her own beheading, she requested to the king to use a sword instead of an axe.

On May 19, 1536, Anne was brought to the courtyard for her execution. According to Major General Jeffrey Field, the majesty’s governor of Tower of London, after Anne’s beheading, the executioner retrieved Anne’s head and showed to the crowd who came to witness her death. As claimed by witnesses, the eyes and lips of the head continued moving for some moments. The rest of the body was placed in a chest, and the head was tucked under the corpse’s arm. Anne Boleyn was then buried in the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula.

Within 24 hours of Anne’s burial, King Henry proceeded to marry Jane Seymour.

However, it seems that Anne, in the form of her spirit, still lingered even after her death. A ghost of a woman was seen in site near the place where Anne was executed. Employees of the tower in 1864 claimed to have been overwhelmed with cold sensation before seeing the apparition of a woman. The workers watched but they were astounded to see that the apparition had no face.

History and physical remnants left people with information regarding gods and goddesses of pre-Christian Celtic people. Evidence of their culture were found in ancient places of worship, cult objects, statues, engravings, and so on. Compared with other Indo-European religions, Celtics appeared to be believers of considerable number of deities, which had some form of association with life and the natural world. Beliefs of Celtics were translated in their Roman equivalent until the advent of Christianity. In case of Celtic art, finding depictions of deities is difficult, and even the hard to find ones are cannot be identified right away. In the post-conquest period, images of Celtic gods became more prevalent. There were even some works that bore names of deities. People of this century should thank the Latin writers for leaving information on Celtic religion behind. Associations had been established regarding ancient Celtic deities and some characters in early medieval Irish and Welsh literature.

The most notable passage for Celtic gods of Gaul can be found in Commentarii de Bello Gallico by Julius Caesar. In this work, Caesar identifies six Celtic gods and their functions. According to him, Mercury was the most honored god, and this was proven by abundance of his images produced. This god was said to be the one behind the creation of all arts, and he was also known as patron god of travelers and merchants. Mercury was also considered god of commerce and gain. Gauls were also very fond of Apollo, who was said to eliminate diseases, whereas Mars was the one who controlled wars. Jupiter was ruler of heaven, and Minerva was goddess of handicrafts. Caesar also wrote that Dis Pater was the ancestor of these gods.

As was observed, Caesar addressed Celtic gods using their Roman equivalents, adding more difficulty in discovering Gaulsih gods and their equals in insular literature. Caesar also included schematics of gods and their functions that is quite different from that indicated in vernacular literary. Still, his work was valuable evidence of Celtic deities.

The gods identified by Caesar were also frequently found in records of Gaul and Britain. In some cases, their names were coupled with Celtic theonyms and epithets. Some examples include Lenus Mars, Mercuary Visucius, Jupiter Poeninus, and Sulis Minerva. Unsycretised theonyms, including Rosmerta, Sulevia, Sirona, and Epona, were also used. In general, several hundred names with hint of Celtic can be found in Gaul culture. Most were discovered only once, indicating that Celtic gods were more prevalent at local and tribal level than national. People who believed this assumption normally cite a god named “Teutates,” which they consider “god of the tribe.”

CHARACTERISTICS OF CELTIC DEITIES

Romans were known for depicting numerous gods and goddesses through images and inscriptions. Meanwhile, in Celtic world, some deities were widely praised, whereas others were only recognized in specific religions or localities. Meanwhile, some local deities tended to be more popular than supra-regional gods. For instance, Sequana, a local Burgandian healing goddess, was more popular in east-central Gaul than Matres, who was more popular in the entirety of Britain, Gaul, and the Rhineland.

SUPRA-REGIONAL CULTS

Some of the deities that were more popular in wider regions include Matres, Cernunnos, and Epona. These mother-goddesses were usually presented as triad in numerous parts of Britain, Gaul, and on the Rhine.

Meanwhile, the sky-god, Cernunnos, was depicted with some variations.

LOCAL CULTS

Some deities were identified at regional, tribal, or sub-tribal levels. For example, the Remi of northwest Gaul were known for their stone carvings featuring triple-faced god with common facial features and remarkable beards. In the Iron Age, the Remi used coins featuring three-faced person. On the other hand, the Treveri were known for worshipping Lenus. Lenus was most venerated at tribal capital of Trier but was also worshipped in other areas, including Chedworth in Gloucestershire and Caerwent in Wales.

Meanwhile, a number of Celtic divinities were also only popular in certain localities, and only one shrine was normally attributed to them. These spirits were considered governing spirits of places where they were venerated. In Gaul, at least 400 names of Celtic gods were identified but 300 of them were only discovered once. For instance, Sequana was only known in her spring shrine near Dijon, whereas Sulis was also known in Bath. At Alesia in Burgundy, people worshipped the diving couple, Ucuetis and Bergusia. Noden, a British god, had a great sanctuary at Lydney. Meanwhile, Cocidius and Belatucadrus had followings in areas nearby Hadrian’s wall. Other gods had names that were derived from names of places where they were venerated. For example, Vosegus supposedly ruled over mountains of Vosges, whereas Luxovius and Vasio presided over Luxeuil and Vasio, respectively.

DEITIES WHO ARE COUPLES

Some Celtic gods were known as couples, including Rosmerta and Mercury, Nantosuelta and Sucellos, Sirona and Apollo Grannus, Borvo and Damona, and Mars Loucetius and Nemetona.

KINDS OF DEITIES

ANTLERED GODS

One common character in Gaulish iconography is that of antlered deity sitting cross-legged. This god is commonly known as Cernunnos and depicted a few times on Pillar of the Boatmen, a Montagnac inscription, and a couple of inscriptions Seinsel-Relent. Meanwhile, this god is also represented in other forms, such as the one at Val Camonica in Italy and the famous plate A of the Gundestrup Cauldron.

HEALING DEITIES

One very popular healing deity is Brighid, the triple goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft and is popularly associated with healing springs and wells. Though less popular, Airmed is also Irish healing goddess linked to not only healing wells but herbalism as well.

Meanwhile, Belenus is popular Romano-Celtic god in southern France and northern Italy. Apollo Granus is more popular in central and eastern Gaul and is said to have a companion in the person of the goddess, Sirona. On the other hand, Bormo/Borva is Celtic healing deity linked to popular thermal springs, including Bourbonne-les-Bains and Bourbon-Lancy.

SUN GODS

Some popular sun gods include Lugh and Belenos. However, such category was based on the Roman god, Apollo. Thus, some people are criticizing their credibility as sun gods.

Grian is name of the sun in Irish, though the denoted gender is female. This god is usually considered synonymous with another deity, Aine. In other cases, the names are considered as two different gods who are sisters. Etain is another god name associated with the sun. Meanwhile, some argue that Epona also has solar origins though her character become more lunar because of Roman syncretism.

The British Sulis is equivalent to Greek Helios and Indic Surya, which are known solar deities. Sulevia is another popular god assumed to be a solar goddess and is probably unrelated to Sulis.

SACRED WATER DEITIES

Brighid is a famous goddess in Ireland with a number of holy wells dedicated to her. Some wells are also dedicated to Minerva in Britain and many Celtic areas. Minerva was identified with Sulis, a popular goddess of thermal springs.

At Carrawbrugh, Icovellauna is a popular spring goddess among the Treveri and Coventian, whereas Damona and Bormana are normally associated with the spring-god Borvo.

Some goddesses were associated with rivers; they include Sequana, Boann (River Boyne), Matrona (the Marne), Sinann (River Shannon), Souconna, and Belisama.

As for male water gods, one popular character is Manannan and his father Lir, who is considered god of ocean. Meanwhile, Nodens is a known god of healing, the sea, hunting, and dogs.

Borvo is healing deity linked to bubbling spring waters and he is more popular in Lusitanian and Celtic polytheism. Condatis is the god of river confluences in Britain and Gaul, whereas Luxovius presided over waters of Luxeuil. Irish had their own god of healing, Dian Cecht, who was said use the fountain of healing in treating people. Dian Cecht also supposedly concocted the name of River Barrow. Grannus is more popularly linked with healing thermal and mineral springs, spa, and the sun.

HORSE DEITIES

Epona is a popular horse goddess who became pretty much popular in majority of Europe. Her counterparts include the Welsh Rhiannon, the Irish Echraidhe, and Macha.

Macha is a threefold goddess normally associated with wars and power. She was considered in some cases as daughter of triple goddess of battle and slaughter, the Morrigan.

Though Atepomarus was considered healing god in Celtic Gaul, his name is occasionally translated as “Great Horseman.”

MOTHER GODDESSES

Mother goddesses are quite popular in Celtic beliefs. Dedications to Matrea or Matronae can be found in Cologne in the Rhineland.

In Welsh tradition, some popular mother characters include Don, Rhiannon, and Modron, whereas Danu, Boand, Macha and Ernmas are popular among the Irish. Though considered as mother goddesses, motherhood of these goddesses was never tackled in detail, and they are just mentioned to having children.

LUGH

As described by Caesar, Mercury was possibly the most popular god among Gauls. Proof of this popularity were various images and inscriptions bearing Mercury’s name. Mercury is also associated with some Celtic epithets, including Visucius, Cissonius, and Gebrinius. Meanwhile, Lugus is another popular god name and origin of other notable monikers, including Lyon, Laon, and Loudun in France, Leiden in the Netherlands, and Lugo in Galicia. Equivalents of Lugu in Irish and Welsh are Lugh and Lleu, respectively. Caesar described Lugh as inventor of all arts, whereas Lleu was supposed to be a master of at least 20 crafts. The Battle of Magh Tuireadh describes the story behind Lugh’s claim on being a master of all arts and crafts. Meanwhile, some inscriptions in Spain and Switzerland are dedicated to Lugoves, the supposedly triple form of Lugus.

Lugh was also assumed to have started the festival of Lughnasadh, which served to commemorate his foster-mother, Tailtiu, every 1st August.

TARANIS

Common depictions of Jupiter show him holding a thunderbolt on one hand and a wheel on the other. Scholars think that the wheel represents the god Taranis. Taranis is possible counterpart of Taran of Welsh mythology and Turenn, the father of three gods of Dana in Irish mythology.

TOUTATIS

Teutatis or Toutatis is one of three gods first described by the poet Lucan. The other gods were Esus and Taranis. History has it that sacrifices were made to Teutatis by plunging people headfirst into vat filled with unknown liquid.

ESUS

Esus was discovered in the Pillar of the Boatmen. There, he was depicted as an axeman cutting branches from trees.

GODS WITH HAMMERS

Sucellos was normally depicted as bearded man holding a hammer. He is accompanied by Nantosuetta. Combined portrayal of their characters depicts prosperity and domesticity. Sucellos is also commonly associated with Silvanus, who was popular in southern Gaul.

GODS OF STRENGTH AND ELOQUENCE

Ogmios is god known for wielding a club and was commonly identified with Hercules. He was represented as old man bearing a bow and a club. His Irish equivalent was Ogma, another god associated with battles.

The Witches: Salem, 1692 by Stacy Schifftells the story of the Salem Witch Trials that started when a minister’s daughter suffered from unexplainable screaming fits and convulsion. The book describes what transpired during the whole year when 19 men and women were sentence to hang as the town of Salem hunted the witches among its residents.

PROS

The book provides a very colorful and insightful accounts of the events that had happened in Salem. As the trials are described, various important characters come into place and the roles they played are also discussed. It is interesting to note how the book gives details on the almost absurd ways that people from Salem used in identifying witches like “touch-tests.” In addition, it portrays how the hysterics of a group of adolescent girls made the people of Salem panic and started a witch hunt that cost the lives of at least 19 men and women. After browsing the book, the readers will feel what it was like in Salem during the witch trials and they will be imbibed with a clearer picture of what happened back then.

CONS

Some readers think that the book is too detailed and contain a lot of information that is too hard to digest. Others who claim to have ancestors that lived during the Salem witch trials argue that some of the information provided in the book are inaccurate.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

The author perfectly points out how records of the first months of the Salem witch trials were missing even though it is a known fact Puritans of Salem were intense record-keepers. She also brings to life the trials with her rich and colorful words specifically detailing what could have happened inside and outside the courtrooms.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacy Schiff is also the author of various award winning literary works like Vera; Saint-Exupery; and A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America. She’s also a receiver of fellowship from Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library. She also has an Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Everyday Magic: Spells & Rituals for Modern Living by Dorothy Morrisonteaches the readers to use various modern objects and household ingredients as magical tools for rituals that they can practice everyday. It provides discussions on various spells and items that can be used as “magical boosters.” The book also details more than 300 hundred magical spells and recipes for making potions, incenses, bath salts, oils, and magical powders.

PROS

The book is perfect for the more modern readers who aspire to have a take on witchcraft. It provides a number of rituals and spells where modern day materials can be used. There are also spells that are meant to be applied to the everyday living of modern people. Furthermore, it is specifically written so people can use it in situations that happen in the modern world. The book is also well-organized that the readers will not have any problem reading on various topics and learning a spell or two about them.

CONS

Some readers claim to have tried some of the spells indicated in the book and have not gotten any good results. Others argue that the information and spells are too simple and will not benefit a lot of people.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

The author uses her book to merge magic and modern technology. She has written a book that is focused on using magic for practical purposes in addition to providing the readers with knowledge about spells and rituals. Also, the spells included do no take much time to accomplish which can greatly benefit those who are always busy with their lives.

Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn’s Practical Magick) by Raymond Bucklandis a book detailing the course of witchcraft, complete with photographs, illustrations, and discussions on various rituals and beliefs. It also cites the history and some folk lore surrounding the development of sorcery. Furthermore, other sections that focus on spells, divination, herbalism, healing, channeling, dream, covens, and solitary witchcraft practice are also included in the book. The book is a self-study text that includes exercises at the end of each chapter that the readers can answer to test their knowledge regarding what they have read.

PROS

The book is a good starting point to learn more about various things related to witchcraft like talismans, tarot, astrology, and herbalism. In addition, the readers are provided with a discussion on the history of witchcraft to help them gain more understanding about the subject. After reading the book, readers are sure to have basic knowledge about a lot of topics that concern witchcraft which they can sharpen further using the worksheets provided in the book.

CONS

For those who are just starting with witchcraft or not really into, they may find some of the rituals indicated in the book too absurd. Some people argue that evidence to support the ideas presented in the book are lacking. In addition, others are troubled by the author’s boldness in recommending rituals that may pose some dangers to people especially those who are just beginning with witchcraft and herbal medicines that he may not have enough knowledge of. There are also some readers who despise how the author quotes himself from his other works.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

The book aims to provide the readers with witchcraft knowledge common to various sects like the Celtics, Saxon, and Finnish.